Oil Minister Puri to Evaluate Ethanol Blending Strategy Before Establishing Elevated Objectives
India is making strides in its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on biofuels to reduce the country's heavy oil import dependence. The government has mandated the use of E20 petrol nationwide, a move that has sparked some controversy among vehicle users due to concerns about engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency.
However, the oil ministry has dismissed these fears, calling the claims baseless. In fact, the ministry's secretary, Puri, announced that India has achieved a 20% blended ethanol fuel target six years ahead of schedule.
Puri also emphasised the necessity of biofuels to reduce India's dependency on oil imports. This shift towards biofuels is not just limited to petrol; several upcoming vehicles are designed to be compatible with higher ethanol blends.
One such motorcycle is the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel, with a 249 cc engine, a mileage of 35 kmpl, and a price of 2.17 Lakhs. Honda is also joining the fray with the Honda CB300F Flex-Fuel, boasting a 293.52 cc engine, a mileage of 30 kmpl, and a price of 1.70 Lakhs.
In the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Mahindra is leading the charge with the Mahindra BE 6, an upcoming EV with a 79 kWh battery, a range of 682 km, and a price of 18.90 Lakhs. The Mahindra e20 NXT, priced between 6-8 Lakhs, is another affordable EV option with a 15 kWh battery and a range of 140 km.
The government's 20% ethanol extraction program from sugarcane or maize is aimed at cutting emissions and raising the income of farmers. This initiative aligns with the global trend, where numerous companies, especially in the automotive and energy sectors, are committing to sustainability goals that include increasing the use of biofuels.
Mahle, a German company, produces pistons for ethanol engines, particularly in Brazil, where ethanol fuel from sugarcane is widely used. Vietnam is also planning to sell only E10 gasoline from 2026 and require the use of E15 from 2031, supporting vehicles designed for higher ethanol blends.
Despite concerns about the production of ethanol, which requires water-intensive crops, the government's plans for a higher ethanol blend in fuel continue to progress. The percentage of ethanol blended in petrol has increased from 1.4% in 2014 to 20% in the last decade.
Interestingly, the government's push for biofuels has not led to a significant increase in fuel prices. Fuel prices have largely remained stagnant over the last three years, despite the higher ethanol blend.
Puri stated that there are no current plans to leapfrog to a higher blended ethanol fuel. However, the government has been vocal about plans to introduce a higher blend of ethanol in fuel in the future.
In addition to the upcoming vehicles mentioned, Mahindra Scorpio N and Mahindra Thar, both with multiple fuel options, are set to hit the market soon. As India continues to prioritise sustainability and reduce its oil import dependence, the future of biofuels and electric vehicles in the country looks promising.
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